What a Week

Cathy's daughter Leigh was caught running and it was delightful to watch. We had puppy visits. Check out Spice's blog. We have exciting times coming. Marlee and Jazmyn and Logan and Panda are here overnight. Later this week we get to see Raylan, Monty and Mac and the Coops. We also see Coco and Doozie for a few hours tomorrow. When Bailey arrives it will be him and Harper - oh how fun.

Pinch me... I think I am having fun. Grooming who cares!

Another Wet Day

We are grooming, drying and chilling watching tv. Everyone is so comfortable it is so delightful.

Pepper & Scruffy WrestlingYou can't see it but a soaked Pepper and Scruffy are playing up a storm. We put dryers in this room and we are drying and brushing one by one. Can the rain stop, please?

Miss Roxie found a treat hidden in a bed and decided to guard it vs. eat it. Not allowed. We don't put it in front of us on display to say look what I have and you don't. As there wasn't a treat for everyone it went away. That's how it works here. Treats for grooming and gnawing treats for all but not just for one. Instead they all got a chicken strip later that we dehydrated. Still working on perfecting the dehydrating process.

Now back to drying and watching the crazy fun play. Something about the energy level increasing when they are wet. It's so much fun to see.

The Coops comes tomorrow - so excited. Scruffy and Pepper depart and lets hope for no rain. I am not sure this arm can handle it but I must. We will survive this rain. Can we have snow instead - no I didn't say that!

Doozie's Shout Out!

Darlah,

Here is Doozie with her favorite toy "Two Foot" on her birthday.  Coco,  Doozie and I went to a Howl oh  een open haunted house fund raiser.

Happy Birthday all of Doozie's brothers and sisters.

Lot of love

Carol

What a Quirky Day

Can I come inside - you know its wet out there!

Really, you call this wet running around fun? What is your definition of fun, lady?

Well, wet dirty dogs, of course! Okay, I guess we will get extra dirty so it takes that human THREE yes, THREE washes per dog to get that mud and sticks and anything else out.

Yes, 4 had baths to go home. Nathan never got a photo of Brewer after the fact (I did ask but I think he was too busy playing with them) but he came out stunning. Now I want to know how long he lasted that way.

Zoe is so full of life running around mad - well not mad in an angry way but in a mad fun way!

She also got mighty wet. Not to worry I dried them all but I give up on the floor. I think we have washed floors daily lately and they always look like well dog tracks of mud... and leaves and... I need a huge squeegee and drains around each room so I can just squeegee it all out in one swoop. Now that's crazy, isn't it?

There are moments when a lady has to act like a lady and just look good says, Zoe! Jeannie needs to learn that from me!

Then I see Jeannie mucking it up and well I can't help myself so there goes that hairdo and those dry hair and the fun just is too intoxicating.

Missy just closes her eyes and says really kids... must we act so silly?

Brewer says, but of course!

Don't think it's all run and play but there is a seek game going on too! We know you are out there - come out, come out wherever you are!

Rocky says but here I am!

Then the race begins again and again and again!

Then you blink and they are playing yet another game, king dog of the diving board.

Zoe leads the pack in crazy wet dawg play!

Running, mad fun!

Thank you for the visit, for the fun and all the smiles. Brewer, Rocky, Gracie and Tuffie - we miss you.

After all the muck of outside we moved inside. We had baths, we had departures. Cali gets to say bye to all - part of her socialization! Here is Ms. Tuffie after her bath - all 7lb of her. She's a delight!

Zoe waited her turn for brushes and everyone had theirs.

Jeannie had a mouthful of Max! So we had to comb to find any tangles. We watched the X-Factor UK. I finished brushing ad combing and well we had an immense amount of fun.Well brushing isn't an immense amount of fun for the dawgs. :-)

We shall see what tomorrow brings.

Happy Birthday

A big 3rd birthday shout out to Chinook, Frannie and Sparky. Wow how has time flown by so quickly?

It goes by way too fast, don't you think?

Brie, make sure Chinook gives you some of his treats. But you have to share when it's your birthday. :-)

Shelley said:

Our Birthday boy at the cottage.  Can't believe he is 3 and that he is our Special big boy... Aka The Wizard

Love him and the Breeze so much and they had a fun day running and getting mucky.   Birthday wishes to his siblings too.

Here's a photo of Sparky!

Ms. Laci Visits

We had a welcomed visit with Ms. Laci and boy does she feel and look good. Bravo, Deb! Coco and Doozie departed. We had visitors this afternoon, visitors tonight. Tomorrow we have class. Oh boy... and I also groomed everyone, bathed several dogs and now I am blogging it awaiting another visitor.

Here are some photos from today.

We will head outside again probably in winter coats after the visitors depart. Boy is it cold out there but at least no snow. Brr I hear Cooper had his first snow of the season in Huntsville.

Brr Cold But Wild Fun

Last night we went to bed wet. I still have to groom this crew. At 10pm it was POURING and everyone was drenched. So towels soaked up excess water and dryers went into the bedroom but I had no energy to dry them so I may be paying today when I start brushing out but we had dogs under the blankets. They usually sleep on top. The sheets were soaked. My I was shivering. Let's just say it was an experience that I hope I don't have to duplicate tonight.

Then this morning I took a shower and Nathan said come outside and take some photos as I am going to run with the dogs. I said well okay but my hair is wet. Then I said why not cause you have to catch the moment. Will I get sick from this experience? Who knows but it was mighty cold and damp. That's okay. I smiled broadly watching them and even forgot I was cold, well momentarily. Time to get the rain/winter coats out?

Here are some photos from this mornings play.

This is Zoe from Treasure's LitterOscar's not one of ours but he comes to visit and each time he does he gets more and more relaxed. It's rather nice.He's full out running and playing with everyone including the puppy. He goes home tonight after his bath.

Doozie departs tomorrow and you can always catch her in the thick of it.

Grace and Zoe enjoying the play!

Run cold playMax started out slow with the play but is now a play monkey.

Kat was playing wonderful with DoozieMax and Kat PlayingLogan in the thick of itMissy getting Nathan time!

Who says the older gals can't run? Yeah ShoshiThe fun continues but now I have to do some serious grooming.

Wet and Mucky

Can't get the video to upload without errors. I have wasted too much time. Dogs keep coming in with mud and wet feet and wet bums and grooming so much my hand is falling off and they say rain all the rest of the week. So, no photos except a couple of DJ.

DJ is gone. We had a ton of fun. Brewer is here with black feet, black undersides and I keep rinsing him off. Doozie also got quite messy but Coco stays clean. I have blankets all over the couches so they can snuggle in and they are. This week is only just beginning and as I say rain, rain, rain in the forecast.

We will survive but I have to be creative. I also can't spend more time on a video that isn't making it online. Will try in another day or two. Sorry about that.

How are you dealing with the rain? What dryers do you use?

Interesting Havanese Day: New Photos Added

Coco and Doozie arrived today and Nathan is out with the guys playing hearts. I got everyone groomed before he departed but he said oh I won't be here to feed the dogs so Coco and Doozie won't eat without me.

They not only ate for me but were looking for more. He's never going to believe me that they ate it all. You see he thinks they only eat for him. Glad I have Dennis here. :-)

Carol, I want you to know they are fitting in so well and are having a great time.

We had some excitement. We had a rabbit prance by and the dogs went CRAZY chasing. The rabbit got away and I am not sure they wanted to catch him/her just wanted the game of chase.

Here's a bit of gal power - a meeting of the minds. I swear the gals think up ways to win.

I never brush Logan and Panda till just before they go home. Don't tell me that dogs don't appreciate and enjoy daily rituals. The crew gets fed, Logan and Panda get brushed up or bathed if it is bathing day and then Mommy comes. If I mess with that schedule it throws them totally off. What you brushed me and she's not coming?

Doozie is her usual play monkey but we keep getting rain off and on. She's found a passion for kicking through the wet grass and getting muddy muddy so she has had a few rinse offs and cleaning of her legs but she doesn't mind at all. Ms. Coco just found the puppy delightful. I will have to get photos of them playing. At first Coco said are you kidding but Cali persisted and it was as if Coco said alright I will play with you and now can I catch some sun? That's what Ms. Abigail wanted to do - lounge out in the sun when it wasn't raining. I guess they know winter is coming too.

Well, until Val said is that Wasabi I hadn't realized I put up all the photos I resized. So here goes.

Roxie brushed, Wasabi not brushed yet.

Last but not least Truffies yoga pose.

Warm Day Play

We had another warm day of play. Nathan and Logan was doing this jump up, give paw fun play. It was a riot.

Everyone continued to run and have a grand old time. It's not over either. Boy I have to wash dogs next week but not before the show. They can wait till Monday and so can the sanding.

The 3 pups left go out and play with the adults. It's amazing how well they blend in. Going to miss them.

What a Cover Blast!

The pool cover went on. We got the pups out first and then added the adults. It was such a blast that we forgot to feed the dogs and I forgot to brush Logan and Panda so I was quickly brushing as they go out the door. I think that was a first but really it was amazing fun! I have video but that will have to come later tonight. It will come and I hope I captured enough to give you the flavour why I lost my mind temporarily.

After starting out with such a lousy day this made me laugh and smile. Hope the video tells you why but till then, here are a few photos.

You Go Logan!The dogs just LOVED the pool cover and the weather and the play and so did I. I will try to get the video up tonight.

Taking a Siesta

We are not really taking a break but we are minimizing this blog due to all the Spice blog updates but this too shall pass.

Anyone remember who this cutie was?

We have had a full day. I would like to say I enjoyed the weather but didn't get enough time in it and by the time I do it will be cold.

This week is a busy one and on Friday we have a dog show Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Then can I relax? We shall see. Relaxing is still grooming, playing but not all the EXTRA stuff.

Dogs had fun. 2 Pups from Wasabi's first litter is here for the day. Ziggy, Scruffy's brother is here.

Panda is getting extra lovey with me. Logan always is. Does this mean Panda is getting close to being in heat? Well she is not today. That's all I can say. :-)

Visiting

Molly came over with her humans to see the pups and drop off hair ties that Molly no longer uses. Thank you VERY much. I can always use them!

I was washing Jeannie so I didn't get to see her play with the pups but I am told she did. Did Nathan get photos? NO! So I missed it all. argh

What a pretty face Ms. Molly has.

Everyone has been enjoying the day, lounging and running and now we are off to watch The Voice. Imagine that!

Just Another Play Day

Zoe just got washed and she is waiting to go home.

She's getting a bit of cuddle time before she heads home.

Daisy can't seem to get enough of the pups. She's been playing and playing with them.

She doesn't mind if there is say 6 but when all 10 come after her, oh boy now where can I go? I think its a natural reaction. Think of 10 humans descending on you from all directions. You may want to hide yourself. heh

The Coops has this grooming business down. He stands in line waiting his turn. What, hey lady you forgot MY treat.

You can't but see a tail of Coopers but had to show you this photo as this trio continues to play and Jeannie's face is priceless.

Zoe is over for the day for a bath so she got to play a bit, eat and bath and home. I think she will sleep tonight.

As you can see Zoe has become rather brown these days. It's the same brown you will see in some of these Spice pups as they mature.

Coops is so tolerant of the Adele. Shhh I think he is smitten.

Grace is still mucking it up and Dennis went to try to catch her. Well you don't play catch me if you can with her. She will win!

All I can say is the weather is better. They killed a duck that we got as a gift from someone - stuffing all ripped out. I tell you. I rather liked that toy and no golden to destroy it. hmmmm now who did the deed - we aren't telling but this one needs super heavy duty toys. Or maybe an Adele. hahahaha

The Siblings

Click on Photo for Larger ViewNora and Pepper are both here and they are siblings from Spice's last litter. They were the smallest of the crew. Nora ended up smaller than Pepper and Nora is also sporting a shorter hairdo. Pepper has the hair tie on to hold her hair away and Nora has short hair in the front thus no hair tie.

Looking at this photo it appears Nora needs her feet cleaned. She loves to muck it up mom says no bath for her so wait till she sees the results of Shady and Nora mucking it up. hahahaha

What you don't see in this photo is Shady on Nathan's leg looking up as if to say where are you taking my Nora?

I have to say that Nora and Shady and Pepper and Scruffy are so entirely bonded. I hear its the same for Lily and Timmy. We had a number of 2 dog homes that litter. We spent a great deal of time matching the right one with the right home and it worked out well.

Lori won't be able to see Nora as she is getting picked up tomorrow before she comes so I thought it may be interesting to take a shot of them side by side.

I believe the one Lynda so fondly called Tofu will be around their size. She is as short in length in the body as Nora is where Pepper is longer in her body. That was evident even when young.

Everyone else is doing really well. I am still under the weather but better. I didn't take any photos other than this one and one of the pups sleeping.

I also started washing Tofu and our electricity went out. Then 15 minutes later it went in again and I started drying her the rest of the way (not good to be caught with her wet) and then it went down again for 10 minutes. I finally finished her but I give up. I was going to try to wash a pup here and there but someone is telling me something.

Good news everyone has been groomed. The baths... it isn't happening and they say rain tomorrow anyways.

Cooler Weather

I didn't click much. Kona seems to LOVE LOVE the outdoor furniture, the crisp air and watching Nathan read. So do a lot of the others and they will be draped under, over and on the chairs. The dogs are really enjoying the cooler weather, me not so much.

Goldie, Pepper and Scruffy are here and dare I say its been huge play and then dead quiet while they nap? We sat down to watch XFactor and they were all over me in the recliner and suddenly Nathan sits on the couch and half of them make a beeline to the couch and on his lap. Get this, I had Kona, Jeannie, Roxie, Fiona and Pepper and Scruffy left me. Goldie found the couch even before Nathan sat down.

It may sound crazy but the dogs LOVE it when we watch tv. We don't do it all the time together so its a huge treat. Sometimes I am dealing with pups and not till they are older can I leave them for an hour or so but as they get this age I do it on purpose to condition them. No complaints.

Think I will go snuggle with a dog or two or three.

Ribbons and Fun

Miss Adele got her first big ribbon on her very first show. We are proud of you. Jeannie didn't get anything. But we are still proud of them both!

Miss Adele had but 1 handling class and well she was a riot but still she won. I guess the judge liked her.

Kona is here and he really liked Panda. Too bad he won't see her till Monday but they were rubbing noses and rather enjoying each other.

But Logan was beside himself. Usually it is Panda but he said hey she is mine. It was all in fun but it was obvious that Logan was breaking up the getting to know you between Panda and Kona. We will see what happens Monday.

Cooper and Logan was playing up a storm. It was fun to watch though I had just finished brushing them all and I was watching that hair go every which way but hey that's okay.

Cooper departs tomorrow and we will miss him. He is such a ball of enthusiasm.

Jeannie is an absolute mess but I am washing feet and that's it. It is what it is.

Looking forward to Tuesday - no driving anywhere and maybe Nathan will indulge me and get me Japanese again. I so love the food and its terrible when you think about wanting something you just had. Food addiction - I tell you! I think the dogs have that issue too. No wonder why I love them so. hahaha

No Grooming Day

This is how it works. I had a no grooming day today. Roxie reflects such. It's okay to have a day off. I could truly do them every other day and hardly ever see a knot or I could do it twice a week and have it take me more time than if I did it daily or every other day. It really depends on the weather but if you are sitting watching tv, its a perfect opportunity to just do a comb out.Plus a clean coat lasts longer staying knot free.

I do not find the Havanese hair difficult but I also know how to take knots out and the more you do the faster you get - sad but true. I find very short hair as long as you do the ears and tail they can skip a number of days without an issue. Still, if someone is visiting me they get a brush out even if they don't need it. Why? It's great conditioning and I truly believe if I do it daily when mom and dad gets them at home it is easier due to that conditioning. Why do I do it? For the dawgs, of course. You see I rather love them -  mine and visitors alike. If they are happy and I can make things more positive then its worth the effort. It should be for you too.

Just a little effort makes a huge difference with our relationships with our dawgs.

PS: They love the human that does for them.

I have a ritual at bedtime. I look at ears. I clean around eyes and I snuggle and love them up and of course they get a small treat at the end. Nathan would like to think that all they want is the treat but its not true. It's also the ritual that gives them comfort as strange as that sounds.

It's Over

Kat is no longer reacting to Fiona - hooray! Sanity is back. Levon comes tomorrow. Goldie comes later this week and so does Scruffy and Pepper. We are hoping for a sunny weekend so we can get puppy visits in.

Time to get the pool covered but still hoping for one hot day so we can get the pups in. We shall see. If not its an excuse to get all of them back to swim next summer. :-)

Grace Departs

Grace is a fun dog. At times she is a going concern and others she is a gentle fun soul. She's still a puppy I think. She's not one of ours so I don't know when she was born but she has been amazing with the pups. She also can be mischievous as ever. Helen and Suzie fell in love with her yesterday. We love her too!

The pups will miss her but tomorrow we get to see Levon and we will see how he does with the pups.

It's quiet this month and that's usual. I actually wish it was busy. But I could use the downtime - well downtime such as it is.

Gracie had a bath. Miss Fiona came home and I am waiting a day before she gets a bath and gets combed out. Yvonne is amazing that she took her but she set me a note saying you know me I am not great grooming sorry. So, Fiona gets a reprieve tomorrow and then a comb out and if I finish the comb-out a bath. If not she gets bathed the next day.

Get this - Kat thinks she is still in heat and oh boy I have a headache listening to Kat cry. It's well over 21 days but we are keeping them separate. Will we survive? Maybe a bath will help but not up to a dematting today. Tomorrow yes.